Does your living room need a last finishing touch? Using an accent chair in the right way can transform the whole room. For the budding interior designer, let’s see how it’s done.

Here’s what this article covers;

• What is An Accent Chair?
• Identify What The Chair Will Do
• Play With Colours
  • Choosing The Right Colour
• Jazz Up The Accent Chair

First Off, What is a Living Room Accent Chair?

It is an occasional chair placed in the room to make some kind of statement. The chair needs to stand out but should also complement the room and its furnishings. An accent chair emphasises the best feature of the room, which could be the chair itself. 

It shows off your style and may highlight common colours or home decor themes in the room. 

It’s also an extra seat when you need one. The accent chair can be whatever you need it to be.

Now, let’s get to the basics of styling an accent chair,

3 Practical Tips to Style an Accent Chair in Your Living Room:

1. Identify What The Chair Will Do For The Room

There are many different reasons to add an accent chair to the living room. Knowing your goals can help you tick the right boxes. 

Before learning to create the right effect, identify how the chair will improve your living room.

Extra Seating

An extra chair will always come in handy. Guests will probably head towards the most eye-catching chair. 

You may as well have a special seat at the ready. Needing extra seating makes comfort a priority. 

This might depend on the chair’s style and upholstery.

Decorate an Open Space

If there’s a large gap in the room, why not use it for something appealing? 

Think about the size of the space. You probably want to enhance it rather than fill it up. 

Colour and style will be important to accentuate the area in a way that complements the surroundings.

Draw the Eye

This could be the most stunning piece of furniture in the room. 

If you want the chair to really pop, you will need to consider the right style, colour and upholstery type to stand out in the right way.

Compliment Another Feature

Sometimes accent chairs can be used to draw attention to another object or area within the room. 

The chair itself will be understated in style, colour and size to set the stage for the main feature.

Bring Cohesion to the Room

Any accent chair should ideally work with the other furnishings in the room. 

For the best effect, take note of the, 

• Colour
• Style
• Frame material
• Upholstery

Build a Cosy Nook

The most important factor here is comfort. You want something easy to curl up in with a good book. 

You want to choose a style that gives a familiar, inviting atmosphere.

La-Z-Boy chairs are some of the most comfiest accent chairs that you can add to your living room. Browse our

La-Z-Boy range below.

2. Play With Colours

The colours of the chair will make a huge difference in how it fits with the surroundings. 

Using the wrong colour can make the chair look confusing and disjointed in the living room.

Match Colours In The Room

This tip can really change how your accent chair fits in.

Does matching mean the accent chair should be the same colour as the other furniture? Not at all. It just means the colours work together in the right way.

Common Colours and Themes

Notice which colours repeat around the living room. Use one of these frequent colours to make the chair a natural focal point.

Should My Accent Chairs Match My Sofa?

Yes and no. The accent chair and sofa need to look good together. You can choose complementary colours or add matching cushions. The accent chair does not need to have the same colour or style. Make sure the furnishings don’t clash. Use a common feature to show they belong together.

This could be upholstery colours, but it might also be the frame. For example, the accent chair could have wooden legs that match the sofa.

READ: Best Lounge Suites in NZ According To Budget, Style & Space

What Colour Should My Accent Chair Be?

Bright Colours

Choose bold colours like green or red if you want the chair as a focal point. Make sure it doesn’t clash with other colours in the room. Perhaps the other furnishings should have softer colours. Try to represent the same vibrant colour moderately across the room. 

Otherwise, if the rest of the furniture is bold and bright, this may be the theme of the living room!

Muted Colours

Yes, an accent chair can have a muted appearance. This is especially true if you are using it to draw attention to another feature. 

Choose a shade that is one tone darker or lighter than the rest of the room. 

Bright cushions can look amazing on a toned-down chair.

3. Jazz up the Accent Chair

The job isn’t done once you have the chair. Here’s what you can do to bring out the best in your accent chair. 

Placement: Where Do Accent Chairs Go?

The chair might look good sitting perpendicular to the end of the couch, or next to a fireplace. Placing the chair beside a coffee table or ottoman can connect it to the rest of the room. Position the chair to draw attention, either to itself or another object. 

It’s important to be mindful of how it harmonises with the rest of the room. 

Positioning the chair out of the way or in a corner isn’t usually advantageous as the chair does not feel part of the room. 

For best effect, only do this with a lightweight chair if the goal is for use as extra seating.

You might use the chair to accentuate a feature of the room, like a beautiful lamp or painting. 

In this case, position the chair near the main feature without blocking it from view or making them feel separate.

Cushions and Throws

These additions are a fun way to match colours or patterns. 

If the chair itself is a different colour from the rest of the room, use cushions or a throw for a sense of connection between the furnishings. 

Create a stunning look by combining a plain chair with a bright cushion, or the opposite. 

A throw can be folded over the back of the chair or draped across the arms for an elegant touch.

Use a Rug

Place a rug under the chair to draw the eye. You can use a small rug that just sits around the chair itself, or a large rug extending outwards with the chair at the edge. 

Position the chair asymmetrically for best effect. Create contrast by using a light rug with a dark chair, or vice versa. 

Avoid combining a patterned rug with a patterned chair as this will look too busy. 

Multiple Accent Chairs

Accent chairs can look great in a pair. They might be side by side, separated by an ottoman, or at either end of the room. You can use identical chairs or a couple of unique pieces. 

How do you mix accent chairs?

Make sure they complement each other but would also look great on their own. They can be of different colours or styles, but it’s important they won’t clash. For example, don’t use too many contrasting patterns. Make sure the chair matches themes from around the room. 

An accent chair can bring an amazing touch to your living room. How you go about it is up to you. Happy styling!

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